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How to build an email list from scratch

How to build an email list from scratch

Starting from zero? It can be a daunting task, one which takes time and patience, but follow these 5 steps and make it easy for yourself. Emailing is still an extremely successful method of generating sales, and is a relatively low cost method of reaching out to your customers.

‘Why can’t I just buy an existing list? Then I’ll have 100’s of emails without wasting my time’

Sure, buying an emailing list is easy, you can find one in about 5 seconds from any search engine, but how can you be sure that the leads you are getting are suitable? Do they have any interest in you or your product? Will they unsubscribe right away? That would be catastrophic for your bounce rate – is it worth the risk?

Building a mailing list from scratch doesn’t have to be an onerous or complicated task – if you follow these 5 steps.

Make the sign up easy to find on your website

Offer an incentive for signing up

Use social media

Use people you’re already in contact with

Gather leads in person

1) Make the sign up easy to find on your website

Your website is your front door to the world. Don’t just have a signup page on your homepage – use all landing pages as a home page.The button should stand out on the page, and even pop up from the bottom of the screen. We’ve all seen examples of this and it is incredible effective.

2) Offer an incentive for signing up

Reward your customers! Spoil them with offers, discounts, or free guides. Whether you’re buying, selling people want incentives. You’ve got to put yourself in their shoes – would you give away your email address just because a website asks you to? The answer is probably no, there is always a reason, a discount, or free download to rich content will provide this reason.

3) Use Social Media

If you’re already being followed by ‘X’ many followers on twitter, you’ve already sparked their interest about something. Use this to your advantage and offer a sign up through this platform.

4) Use the people you’re already in contact with

The same premise with social media – they are talking to you for a reason. Drop them a quick email, ask if they want to hear more about your services in the future.

5) Gather leads in person

Traditional marketing isn’t dead. See where your target audience go, and attend the same events, network and gather leads.

To conclude, gathering of email contacts – if done correctly – doesn’t have to take months. Be patient and follow these simple steps and you’ll generate high quality leads. It is a critical step to your email marketing. The world of lead generation is rapidly changing

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If you have any questions or comments about this post please fill in the comment box below, or send me an email shale@bonline.com